Early screenings of the Dr Who Christmas special and new episodes of The League Of Gentlemen are being shown in York today. Here, TIM SMITH, head of BBC Yorkshire, explains why it will be a great evening for fans of the shows

This Christmas, Peter Capaldi makes his final journey in the Tardis in the Doctor Who Christmas special. Today, at York Guildhall, lucky ticket-holders will be able to see the eagerly-anticipated festive edition of BBC One’s sci-fi favourite before anybody else.

And that’s not all. There’s a treat for comedy fans in the region, with the first two episodes of The League Of Gentlemen’s 20th anniversary specials also being previewed in York. This really is a local screening for local people.

Steve Pemberton, co-writer and co-star of The League Of Gentlemen, recently said that the Gentlemen’s best audiences are in the north of England. He said that we’re the funniest people in the country, and I know the whole cast is over the moon that we get to see their new episodes first.

I’m thrilled we’re able to bring these very special programmes exclusively to audiences in Yorkshire before they air this Christmas. The BBC is committed to doing more in Yorkshire, and I am particularly pleased that a global BBC brand such as Doctor Who is being previewed in York.

Also on the BBC, Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, will present a special Christmas show on BBC Radio York on Christmas Day at 1pm, and BBC One’s Midnight Mass will come live from St Anne’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Leeds on Christmas Eve.

Looking ahead to 2018, BBC Two’s factual series Back In Time comes to Yorkshire early in the New Year.

Host Sara Cox and historian Polly Russell go Back In Time For Tea as they experience the daily lives of working families in Yorkshire from 1918 to the present day.

So there’s a lot to look forward to. But first we’re taking a trip in the Tardis and paying a visit to Royston Vasey, with the added sparkle of a glitzy BBC red carpet experience.

I really hope you enjoy a special night at York Guildhall.